Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 24) mounted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Kwun Tong. During the operation, Customs officers smashed a suspected illicit cigarette storehouse and seized about 152 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes. The total value of the seizure was about $380,000 with a duty potential of about $290,000.
Acting on information, Customs officers kept under watch a premises located at an industrial building in Kwun Tong which was suspected to be an illicit cigarette storehouse and took enforcement action yesterday afternoon with the seizure of about 152 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes from the premises. A 58-year-old woman was arrested.
Customs will continue to undertake stringent enforcement against illicit cigarette activities to protect government revenue.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possessing, selling and buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is imprisonment for two years and a fine of $1 million.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, March 25, 2016
